Chapter 05 · Standards & assuranceStandards, Labels & Certification Schemes
Ecolabel
Definition
An ecolabel is a label identifying a product or service as environmentally preferable within its category. ISO's 14020 series distinguishes three types: Type I (ISO 14024) — third-party certified, multi-criteria, life-cycle-based labels such as the EU Ecolabel and Nordic Swan; Type II (ISO 14021) — self-declared environmental claims by manufacturers; and Type III (ISO 14025) — quantified environmental product declarations based on life-cycle data. Type I ecolabelling programmes are overseen by bodies such as the Global Ecolabelling Network.
References
Type I definition and criteria
three-type taxonomy
Overview
What it means
A structured vocabulary for environmental claims, separating independently certified labels from marketing self-claims.
How it is used
Procurement policies specify Type I labels; regulators police Type II claims as potential greenwashing; Type III declarations feed building and product assessments.
Why it matters
Ecolabels are the main market mechanism translating environmental performance into purchasing decisions — and the frontline of green-claims regulation.